Factors that contribute to, and constrain, conversations between adolescent females and their mothers about sexual matters : a qualitative multiple case study dissertation

Material Information

Title:
Factors that contribute to, and constrain, conversations between adolescent females and their mothers about sexual matters : a qualitative multiple case study dissertation
Series Title:
Barry University Dissertations -- School of Education
Creator:
Schear, Kimberlee S.
Place of Publication:
Miami, Fla.
Publisher:
Barry University
Publication Date:
Language:
English
Physical Description:
227 leaves ; 28 cm

Thesis/Dissertation Information

Degree Disciplines:
Education

Notes

Abstract:
Adolescents are not abstaining from sex, and many of them are engaging in risky sexual practices. Mothers, in particular, can be a first line of defense by providing accurate information to their teenagers about sexual matters. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple case study was to explore the factors that contribute to, and constrain, conversations between adolescent females and their mothers about sexual matters. A purposive sample of three mother-daughter dyads participated in separate, structured interviews. The study examined the mothers' and daughters’ ideas about the meanings and effects of their sexual discussions, problematic communication patterns, and problem-saturated stories that interfered with their ability to have open and comfortable sexual discussions. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed through a constant comparative method. A rich and detailed analysis of the participants’ subjective and socially constructed experiences led to a process-oriented understanding of how to improve sexual communication between adolescent females and their mothers. Findings of the study indicate that adolescent females are more open to having conversations with their mothers about sexual matters when they perceive their mothers as being open-minded, knowledgeable, and non-judgmental. The findings suggest that mothers and daughters become more comfortable discussing sexual matters if these types of conversations start in the early teen years and progress throughout adolescence. Future research should take these findings and create an instrument in order to test these results with broader population sections.
Thesis:
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Barry University, 2006.
Bibliography:
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 187-212).

Record Information

Source Institution:
Barry University
Holding Location:
Barry University Archives and Special Collections
Rights Management:
Copyright Kimberlee S. Schear. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Resource Identifier:
HQ755.85.S34 2006_SchearKimberlee ( BU-Local )
Classification:
HQ755.85.S34 2006 ( lcc )

BUDC Membership

Aggregations:
Barry University
Theses and Dissertations